City of New Westminster strikes Mayor’s task forces to tackle key issues

New Westminster, BC – Mayor’s task forces have been established to address areas of critical interest raised during the recent municipal election. Mayor Jonathan Coté’s task forces to tackle transportation, housing affordability and the development of an economic health care cluster and a Mayor’s Committee on Public Engagement received unanimous support from City Council during the inaugural Committee of the Whole meeting earlier today.

“The intent of the task forces is to bring a strategic focus to some key issues that will have a significant impact on our City both immediately or in the near future,” said Mayor Coté. “By bringing a team together that includes representation from council, key city staff and important outside partners we can ensure rapid progress is made.”

The task forces are:

Mayor’s Transportation Task Force – Involving the Mayor, two councillors and city staff, this task force will focus on the implementation of the Master Transportation Plan as well as the City’s response to dealing with regional transportation challenges.

Mayor’s Housing Affordability Task Force – Involving members of council, city staff and representation from BC Housing and the Urban Development Institute and the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, this task force will work with key partners to develop housing projects in New Westminster aimed at advancing the City’s affordable housing strategy.

Mayor’s Task Force on the Economic Health Care Cluster – This task force will include representatives from Fraser Health, Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH), the health care community, council members and city staff and will work to identify strategic opportunities for developing an employment strategy anchored by RCH expansion activity.

Mayor’s Committee on public engagement – The new committee will recruit community members and will involve city staff from Communications and Development Services along with the Mayor and city councillors. The committee will explore new methods for encouraging community collaboration on city initiatives and local developments.

“By focusing on these critical areas we have an opportunity to enhance our community and increase livability at the same time,” said Mayor Coté. “I look forward to reporting on progress soon.”

The Mayor’s task forces and new city committee will have their inaugural meetings in January 2015.